Escher makes edge worse after Norton 8k...why?
It's been a while since I posted here, but this is an issue that's been nagging me too much and I had to come back to ask. Can anyone tell me why a Y/G Escher would make the edge on a razor worse after the Norton 8k? When I come off the 8k (usually it takes 35-50 strokes after the Norton 4k), the edge is at a place where it can shave comfortably. Not amazingly well, but pretty good.
From there, I take the razor to my Escher and it comes out really harsh and drags on hairs. I've tried the Escher with less strokes, more strokes, less slurry, more slurry, diluting the slurry, leaving the slurry on, no slurry. Always the same.
I remember Sham telling me a long time ago that to get the most out of my Escher, I should put a softer J-Nat or coticule in between the Escher and the Norton. I did that very early on and got some amazing edges. That'd be great if I still had those stones, but I sold them, because I had seen numerous more experienced people finish razors on Eschers straight from Norton 8k's. So why am I having this problem now? Anyone have any suggestions?